THE BEGINNING

THE MOVE

EXPANSION

Hirt expands the operation to sell produce as well as dairy products; he begins distribution of imported specialty foods on a small scale.

1920-1940

SECOND GENERATION

Rudolph Hirt, Jr.’s sons Rudolph Hirt III, Arthur Hirt, and Warren Hirt—along with sons-in-law Walter Lotz and Clarence DeVries—take the business to another level. They run Eastern Market Cold Storage in addition to R. Hirt Jr., Co., which now includes a branch at the Detroit Produce Terminal.

1950s - 1960s

THIRD GENERATION

The third generation of family gets involved in the business; Tom DeVries, Sr., Warren Hirt, Jr., Don Hirt, and David DeVries—grandsons of Rudolf Hirt, Jr.—increase further the company's offerings of imported cheeses, also adding items such as crackers, cookies, and teas.

1980s

FOURTH GENERATION

A fourth generation represented by Tom DeVries, Jr. (current owner) becomes active in the business. R. Hirt, Jr. Company opens a new warehouse/headquarters building at 3000 N. Chrysler Drive.